University of Oxford - Arthur H. Cooke Memorial Prize

What the Arthur H. Cooke Memorial Prize gives you

For outstanding achievements during your first year of doctoral research in the field of solid-state physics, you will receive a one-off cash prize of about 190 EUR. This field of study focuses on solids and liquids and the behaviour of their atoms, and encompasses areas such as quantum materials, photovoltaics and nanoscience. The prize is sponsored by the Department of Physics at the University of Oxford and awarded by its Solid-State Physics section. It is named after Arthur Hafford Cooke, an Oxford physicist and later Master of New College.

Who can get it

• Level: You are a first-year DPhil student (as the doctoral degree is known at Oxford).
• Field: Her field of research is solid-state physics.
• University: You’re studying at the University of Oxford.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.
• Performance: You have carried out outstanding research during your first year.

How you get it

You cannot apply directly. The Department of Solid-State Physics selects the winner internally, based on the quality of your research work during your first year of study.

How realistic are your chances?

This is a single annual award for first-year PhD students in the ‘Condensed Matter’ specialisation within a department; consequently, the pool of eligible candidates is small and the field of specialisation is narrowly defined. As applications cannot be submitted and the award is based on the student’s own research work, outstanding achievements during the first year in the sub-department are crucial for making the shortlist.